Nyack Fall 2022

HealthWorks F AL L 2022

BREAST CANCER

CUSTOMIZED CARE SAVING LIVES WITH

SHOCK WAVES

STAYING AHEAD

OF COVID-19

BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC SURGERY

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Montefiore Nyack Hospital Updates

The Joint Replacement Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital Earns 5th Consecutive Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval® Certification

FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Readers, As we transition from the lazy days of summer to the busy activities of autumn, the hospital itself continues to undergo its own impressive and beautiful evolution into an enhanced modern facility with ever-increasing capabilities. The hospital’s massive Transformation Project began in 2016 and is nearing its final stretch to full completion. Since our last update, the following projects have been finished or are near completion: • Construction of the hospital’s three-story parking garage is underway.

Once completed and in commission, the temporary parking lot currently in use on Midland Avenue will be restored to its original green space.

•A dditional electric vehicle charging stations will be installed in the new garage and will be available for access and use by physicians, patients and visitors.

•A dditional security cameras have been installed and security measures and procedures put into place with our local police department to further safeguard the hospital, patients and staff.

• I nstallation of new interior and exterior way-finding directional signage to help visitors and patients easily navigate the campus and hospital.

•O lder windows have been replaced for better views and improved internal climate control.

•R enovated public bathrooms on the ground floor feature new flooring, updated wall and ceiling tiles, energy-efficient lighting and new “notouch” bathroom fixtures.

•O ur completely renovated Gift Shop has reopened in a new location adjacent to the lobby and offers conveniences to staff, visitors and patients.

• F inally, all patient elevator lobbies received a makeover with new flooring, lighting and wall coverings with designer accents.

These facility upgrades and improvements provide a better experience for patients and their families, ensuring we treat and care for our patients and visitors in both a safe and comforting environment.

With that, have a happy and healthy autumn! I hope you embrace the change of seasons and enjoy all the beauty of Rockland County and its surrounding areas.

Stay well,

Mark Geller, MD President and Chief Executive Officer

Montefiore Nyack Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. This is the fifth consecutive time the program has received the Gold Seal, a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe, effective, high-quality patient care.

Montefiore Nyack Hospital underwent a rigorous review in February. During the review, a Joint Commission expert surveyor evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and patient rights and responsibilities.

The certification focuses on the complete joint-replacement process, from presurgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities and a follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon. This Gold Seal of Approval® by The Joint Commission recognizes exceptional quality of care and is a testament to our outstanding team.

Montefiore Nyack Hospital Receives Gold Plus Stroke Honor Roll Recognition from American Heart Association Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Early stroke detection and treatment are vital in improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Montefiore Nyack Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke quality achievement award for ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately saving more lives and reducing disability.

“As an academic community hospital, we strive to exceed in so many programs,” says Montefiore Nyack Hospital Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Anthony Matejicka, DO, MPH, FACP. “This award is a validation of our team’s steadfast commitment and focus to provide the highest quality of care in the tri-state area!”

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EDITORIAL STAFF Lauren Malone, Sr. Dir. of PR and Marketing Rose Croke, Marketing Manager Briana Tolve, Marketing Manager Jasmine Gonzalez, Marketing Coordinator Celia Vimont, Writer

HEALTH WORKS | FALL 2022

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fall

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HOW SHOCK WAVES ARE SAVING LIVES A patient’s

decision to have a state-of-theart cardiac procedure locally leads to a healthier heart.

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BREAST CANCER CARE, CUSTOMIZED Expanding

options for follow-up treatment have helped lift survival rates.

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2022

IN THIS ISSUE

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THE MANY BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC SURGERY Montefiore

FEELING SLUGGISH? IT COULD BE YOUR THYROID

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Clinical trials at Montefiore Nyack Hospital bring new treatments and promising results to cancer patients.

Many experts expect to see a surge in Omicron and its subvariants this fall and winter. Fortunately, now there are some effective treatments.

Nyack Hospital adds a da Vinci Surgical System, expanding patient care capabilities.

CUTTING-EDGE CANCER CARE

An underactive thyroid can cause many challenging symptoms but is highly treatable.

STAYING AHEAD OF COVID-19

ELEVATING PATIENT CARE

WITH MILESTONE DINING EXPERIENCES At Montefiore Nyack Hospital, we recognize that patients shouldn’t miss celebrating special occasions due to hospitalization. We acknowledge these milestones by offering a special meal to new parents, joint replacement patients and those with us during a special event, such as a birthday or anniversary. A custom-designed menu features gourmet food selections, decadent desserts and sparkling cider, which are delivered on linen tablecloths to the delight of patients. On request, vegan, vegetarian and kosher options are available for those with specific dietary needs. At Montefiore Nyack Hospital, we strive to take patient experience to the next level.

For more information, contact Kristin DeLorenzo, Director of Patient Experience, at 845-348-6778 or patientrelations@montefiorenyack.org.

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Judah Rauch, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Montefiore, explains Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy to patient Joseph Branda.

HOW SHOCK WAVES ARE SAVING LIVES 4

HEALTH WORKS | FALL 2022

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A PATIENT’S DECISION TO HAVE A STATE-OF-THE-ART CARDIAC PROCEDURE LOCALLY LEADS TO A HEALTHIER HEART AND A SPEEDY RECOVERY.

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hen Joseph Branda, 68, was looking for a cardiologist to perform a procedure to open one of the arteries of his heart with a stent, he did his homework. Weighing on his mind was a previous procedure that resulted in extreme chest pain, an extended hospital stay and a prolonged recovery. Joseph was determined to have a better experience at a different hospital this time.

He was visiting one of his doctors at Montefiore Medical Center for another medical issue and mentioned his search for a new cardiologist. The doctor put him in touch with Judah Rauch, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Montefiore.

“Dr. Rauch took the time to listen and explain in full detail the stent procedure for me,” Joseph says. “I live in Rockland County, not far from Montefiore Nyack Hospital. Dr. Rauch told me that since they have a new state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Lab with the very latest equipment, I’d be well taken care of.”

THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY Dr. Rauch says he knew Montefiore Nyack Hospital would be a good choice for Joseph.

“We can offer the same quality, state-ofthe-art care associated with major academic medical centers with the added benefits of a more personalized experience in a community hospital,” he says.

One of Joseph’s coronary arteries was heavily calcified and significantly narrowed.

A buildup of calcium in the arteries makes them stiff and less likely to expand, resulting in compromised blood flow to the heart muscle.

Dr. Rauch used a procedure called Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy to treat Joseph. This technology has been

used for many years to treat kidney stones.

The procedure uses a catheter (tube) with a balloon at the end that sends pressure waves out to break up the calcification.

Dr. Rauch then used an imaging technique called OCT that allowed him to see the artery from the inside—helping him more precisely size and place the stent, which ensures the artery will stay open.

“Shockwave Lithotripsy is a cleaner, less disruptive way to treat patients with calcified arteries compared to older technologies,” he says.

NATIONAL EXPERTISE Not many hospitals in the United States use an intravascular imaging device like OCT, Dr. Rauch notes. “Montefiore is one of the highest users of this technology,” he says. “It’s a great example of how we’re able to bring the benefits of a large academic medical center to a community hospital. Joseph got cutting-edge care.

The tools at the Montefiore Nyack Hospital’s Cath Lab are as good as those in any premier healthcare institution in the country.”

The procedure went smoothly. Joseph went home that same day. One day after the procedure, he walked two miles. The following day, he walked three miles. He’s now undergoing cardiac rehabilitation at The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital to ensure his successful recovery continues.

“I’m now healthy and on the path to a full recovery thanks to Dr. Rauch, the nurses and the entire Cath Lab team of professionals at Montefiore Nyack Hospital,” Joseph says.” I’m forever grateful for their dedicated, superior service in cardiac care.”

“I’m now healthy and on the path to a full recovery thanks to Dr. Rauch, the nurses and the entire Cath Lab team of professionals at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.”

Joseph Branda

Learn more about the lifesaving Interventional Cardiology program at Montefiore Nyack Hospital at www.montefiorenyack.org/interventional-cardiology or call 845-348-2650 with additional questions.

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BREAST T CANCER CARE, CUSTOMIZED

remendous advances in breast cancer treatment in recent years have helped boost survival rates. Many of the greatest improvements have been made in adjuvant therapy—treatment that’s given after breast cancer surgery. “Gone are the days when all breast cancer patients got surgery, chemo and radiation,” says Sunny D. Mitchell, MD, FACS, Medical Director of The Breast Center and Director of Breast Surgery at Montefiore Nyack Hospital. “Now everyone’s treatment is tailored to that person’s specific cancer.”

WHAT IS ADJUVANT THERAPY?

EXPANDING OPTIONS FOR FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT HAVE HELPED LIFT SURVIVAL RATES.

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Adjuvant therapy kills any cancer cells that may be left after surgery. This treatment is designed to reduce the risk the cancer will recur. Breast cancer physicians decide which adjuvant therapy to give a patient based on a number of factors, including the type, size and stage of the cancer. Staging is a process that takes into account grade, hormone status and size of the tumor, as well as lymph node status and other variables. This approach provides individualized, highly targeted therapy for each patient.

Patients with breast cancer often undergo tests called tumor profiling (also called genomic profiling) to look at cancer cells for unique gene changes that help cancer grow and spread. The doctor can use the test results to help decide which treatments are most likely to work best against a patient’s specific cancer.

Matching the treatment to a person’s genes makes it more precise, which can reduce the SUNNY D. MITCHELL, MD, FACS chances of side effects.

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TYPES OF ADJUVANT THERAPY Most patients have at least one type of adjuvant therapy— treatments that kill breast cancer cells left after surgery.

CHEMOTHERAPY Destroys cancer cells by stopping their ability to multiply.

There are many types of chemotherapy used to treat breast cancer.

Immunotherapy Uses a person’s immune system to identify, target and attack breast cancer cells.

HORMONAL (ENDOCRINE) THERAPY Used for tumors that test positive for estrogen receptors (called ER positive). One such hormonal therapy is tamoxifen.

It’s used to complete treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence in someone with breast cancer. Tamoxifen can also help prevent breast cancer in some people who have never had the disease but are found to be at higher risk because of genetic testing or certain biopsy results. Aromatase inhibitors are another type of hormonal therapy. These are given to women who have gone through menopause or who take medicines to stop the ovaries from making estrogen.

Targeted Therapy Targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells and limits damage to healthy cells.

Radiation Therapy Targets cancer cells that doctors can’t see but remain in the breast or lymph nodes after surgery. “Today, radiation oncologists can target the specific tumor bed (where the breast cancer was), which results in more efficient delivery of radiation, with fewer side effects,” says Dr. Mitchell. Doctors can also use tumor profiling tests to determine if a person with stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) breast cancer needs radiation therapy.

Learn more about your personal breast cancer risk and screening eligibility by taking our health quiz at www.breastcare.health/quiz.

To make an appointment for a screening, call 845-348-7579. For additional information, visit www.breastcare.health.

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THE MANY BENEFITS OF

ROBOTIC SURGERY MONTEFIORE NYACK HOSPITAL ADDS A DA VINCI SURGICAL SYSTEM, EXPANDING PATIENT CARE CAPABILITIES.

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any patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery at Montefiore Nyack Hospital now have the option of being treated with robotic surgery, which is minimally invasive and offers several benefits for patients while enabling greater precision for surgeons.

“We’re using the da Vinci Surgical System, which uses robotic arms together with instruments that have a wider range of motion than humans do,” says Lee Fleischer, MD, FACS, Director of Surgical Services at Montefiore Nyack Hospital. “Because of this, the surgery is even less invasive than regular laparoscopic surgery, resulting in less pain for the patient and a shorter time for recuperation.”

The da Vinci system helps surgeons perform a variety of procedures, including general surgery and colorectal, thoracic and cardiac surgeries. It has four robotic arms instead of a surgeon’s two arms.

“Regular laparoscopic surgery uses

LEE FLEISCHER, MD, FACS

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instruments that are long, thin and straight and don’t articulate,” says Dr. Fleischer. “The da Vinci robotic surgery system has multiple joints—it can maneuver better than your hand, wrist and fingers. Now, I can produce finer movements with more accuracy.

In addition, the system gives me a threedimensional view that’s magnified 10 times—another great benefit.”

HOW IT WORKS The da Vinci machine is made up of three different parts: • The console/control center. The surgeon operates while seated at an ergonomic console unit using hand and foot controls and with a magnified, 3D, high-definition view.

• The patient cart. The cart holds surgical instruments and the camera.

• The vision cart. This cart has a video screen so that the healthcare providers in the room can see what’s happening during the surgery.

In robotic procedures, the surgeon makes several small cuts through which the robotic surgical instruments are inserted, along with a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and a camera lens). Sitting at the console, the surgeon operates using the controls and the magnified, high-definition view provided by the camera.

ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT The da Vinci system joins the ROSA surgical system, which is already in use at Montefiore Nyack Hospital for joint replacement surgery. “We’ve been using ROSA routinely for our knee replacements for more than a year,” says Jordan Simon, MD, Director of The Joint Replacement Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital. “Patients are more comfortable and have been recovering more quickly as a result.”

The ROSA robotic system uses a camera and optical trackers attached to the leg to know exactly where the patient’s knee is in space—like a GPS. Throughout the surgery, the robot provides data about the knee. This information helps the surgeon ensure the knee implant is properly positioned for the patient’s body. ROSA also provides feedback on the status of the patient’s knee ligaments to aid the surgeon in balancing the soft tissues.

The result is a better range of motion in the knee and a quicker recovery.

“Robotic surgery is the future of surgery,” Dr. Fleischer says. “If you’re discussing any type of surgery with your doctor, let them know that Montefiore Nyack Hospital is performing robotic surgery. We’re ready to talk about whether it’s right for you.”

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“Robotic surgery is even less invasive than regular laparoscopic surgery, resulting in less pain for the patient and a shorter time for recuperation.”

Lee Fleischer, MD, FACS Director of Surgical Services at Montefiore Nyack Hospital

To schedule a consultation, call Highland Surgical Associates at 845-535-3362 or The Joint Replacement Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital at 845-348-7489.

For more information about robotic-assisted surgery, visit www.montefiorenyack.org/joint-replacement.

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CUTTING-EDGE CANCER CARE CLINICAL TRIALS AT MONTEFIORE NYACK HOSPITAL BRING NEW TREATMENTS AND PROMISING RESULTS TO CANCER PATIENTS.

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HEALTH WORKS | FALL 2022

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linical trials are medical research studies that look for new ways to prevent, detect or treat disease. Cancer patients at Montefiore Nyack Hospital are evaluated to see if they’re eligible for a clinical trial. Those who choose to participate in one receive comprehensive, advanced care, sometimes well before it’s available anywhere else, according to Sung Ho Lee, MD, Director of Clinical Research at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.

Most clinical trials at the hospital are testing treatments that have already been studied in smaller groups of patients for safety and effectiveness, says Dr. Lee. “Our studies tend to be late Phase II, Phase III or IV, meaning the treatments have already been shown effective in earlier phases. We’re part of studies being done at multiple national and international sites that are testing the treatments in larger groups of patients. We focus on treatments that will benefit our patient through early adoption of effective regimens that aren’t yet available to the general public.”

CLINICAL TRIALS CLOSE TO HOME Many of the current clinical trials offered at Montefiore Nyack Hospital utilize cutting-edge regimens for common malignancies including, but not limited to, lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and lymphoma.

Recently, the scope of our clinical trials has expanded to include and deliver the most up-todate radiation treatments to our patients. Many of the chemotherapy trials utilize the most advanced immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Our breast surgery trial is actively recruiting patients for a study that’s investigating the use of a 3D mold for more precise surgical results.

“All patients enrolled in our clinical trials receive standard treatment for their disease, even if they’re not receiving the experimental treatment,” says Dr. Lee. “All of the hospital’s trials meet the strict standards of the hospital ethics committee.”

Montefiore Nyack Hospital is one of 1,200 institutions around the world that are part of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, which conducts cancer research involving adults who have or are at risk of developing cancer. “This membership gives us the opportunity to conduct clinical trials that are part of a network of leading national medical centers,” SUNG HO LEE, MD says Dr. Lee.

WHY CONSIDER A CLINICAL TRIAL? There are a number of benefits that can come from being part of a clinical trial: • You may have access to new drugs and other treatments before they’re widely available.

• You’ll get regular and careful medical attention, and will be monitored closely for any side effects.

• You’ll be playing an active role in your healthcare.

• You’ll be helping others by contributing to medical research.

• You’ll receive your treatment from experienced staff focused on patient safety and care.

• There are financial benefits for patients who undergo study procedures that are covered by the sponsor.

• Patients always have the option to leave a clinical trial at any time and for any reason.

To find out about clinical trials being conducted at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, visit montefiorenyack.org/clinical-trials.

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FEELING SLUGGISH? IT COULD BE YOUR

THYROID AN UNDERACTIVE THYROID CAN CAUSE MANY CHALLENGING SYMPTOMS, BUT IS HIGHLY TREATABLE.

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f you’re low on energy, feel extremely cold when other people don’t and are gaining weight, you may have an underactive thyroid gland, or hypothyroidism.

Fortunately, people diagnosed with this condition can be treated with medication.

“If you take your ANN PIA BABY, MD

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medication consistently and follow up with your doctor to monitor your hormone levels, you can manage this condition without much difficulty,” says Ann Pia Baby, MD, an endocrinologist with Highland Medical, P.C., Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM? The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic rate.

In a person with hypothyroidism, the thyroid doesn’t produce enough of these hormones.

Hypothyroidism is more common in women and in families where other members have thyroid diseases. One common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In people with Hashimoto’s, the thyroid becomes damaged and can’t make enough thyroid hormones.

HEALTH WORKS | FALL 2022

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DIAGNOSING AND TREATING HYPOTHYROIDISM

WHAT ARE THYROID NODULES?

If you have symptoms that suggest you may have an underactive thyroid, the doctor will take your medical history, perform an exam and order blood tests. These tests will measure thyroid hormones as well as the hormones secreted by your pituitary gland. This gland in your brain controls production of thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism is treated with medication that replaces the hormones the thyroid can no longer make. Your doctor will regularly monitor your thyroid hormone levels to adjust the dose of the medication.

If untreated, symptoms of hypothyroidism can worsen. In rare cases, it can result in a condition called myxedema coma, an extreme form of hypothyroidism in which the body’s functions slow to a life-threatening point.

Myxedema coma requires immediate medical treatment.

A thyroid nodule is a growth on the thyroid gland. These nodules are very common, and it’s not clear what causes them. Having parents or siblings who have had thyroid nodules or thyroid or other endocrine cancers increases your chance of developing nodules. Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol and obesity.

Most nodules aren’t cancerous.

“Non-cancerous nodules don’t need to be treated, unless they’re really big and causing symptoms like shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing,” says Dr. Baby. Sometimes a person wants a nodule removed for cosmetic reasons.

Non-cancerous thyroid nodules can remain the same size, shrink or grow.

“It’s difficult to predict which course they’ll take,” says Dr. Baby. “Follow-up monitoring with an ultrasound is usually recommended based on the size and

features of the thyroid nodule.”

If treatment for a non-cancerous nodule is needed, it may include surgery or radiofrequency ablation. This procedure uses electrical current and heat to shrink nodules.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend that the nodule be biopsied to look for cancer cells. If the nodule is found to be cancerous, treatment is needed, usually surgery.

“If you think you may have a thyroid nodule, talk to your primary care doctor,” says Dr. Baby. “He or she can refer you to an endocrinologist for further evaluation and treatment, if needed.”

To schedule an appointment with a board-certified endocrinologist at Highland Medical, P.C., call 866-550-4672.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

Low energy

Sluggishness Feeling extremely of movement and speech cold when other people do not

Weight gain

Dry skin

Constipation

Muscle pain

Irregular menstrual periods

A person with hypothyroidism can also have a slow heart rate, low temperature, high blood pressure and swelling in the feet and around the eyes.

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STAYING AHEAD OF COVID-19 MANY EXPERTS EXPECT TO SEE A SURGE IN OMICRON AND ITS SUBVARIANTS THIS FALL AND WINTER. FORTUNATELY, NOW THERE ARE SOME EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS.

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here are simple and important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 this fall. But if you do catch the disease, there are several treatments that can prevent you from becoming seriously ill, says Azfar Chak, MD, Chief of Infectious Disease at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.

“The best thing you can do to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated,” says Dr. Chak. COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible. For people over age 12 who have received two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, a booster is recommended at least five months after the last of the first two vaccines.

Adults age 50 years and older can choose to receive a second booster dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least four months after the first booster. In addition, a second booster is recommended for anyone who is moderately or severely immunocompromised. This includes those who: • a re receiving chemotherapy treatment • have had an organ transplant • have advanced HIV • a re taking high-dose steroids.

COVID-19 TREATMENTS

AZFAR CHAK, MD

Currently, COVID-19 treatments fall into two categories: antiviral treatments and monoclonal

antibodies. Antiviral treatments target specific parts of the virus to stop it from multiplying in the body, helping to prevent severe illness and death.

Monoclonal antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus.

REMDESIVIR is an antiviral treatment given intravenously for five days.

Mostly, it’s used for moderate to severe disease in hospitalized patients. It’s also given to some patients with milder disease for three days, if they don’t qualify for other antiviral treatments. It should be taken within seven days after symptoms first appear.

PAXLOVID is an oral drug that’s given for five days on an outpatient basis.

It has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization by 85 percent. “The downside to Paxlovid is that it can interact with many other types of drugs, including cholesterol drugs, birth control pills and some antibiotics,” says Dr. Chak. Paxlovid cannot be given to pregnant patients or those with underlying liver disease. It should be taken within the first five days of symptom onset.

MOLNUPIRAVIR is an oral antiviral, taken for five days, which has been shown to reduce hospitalization in COVID-19 patients by 30 percent. Because it’s not as effective as Paxlovid, it isn’t the preferred treatment. But it can be an alternative for patients who don’t qualify for Paxlovid. It should be taken within the first five days of symptoms.

BEBTELOVIMAB is a monoclonal antibody. It’s an IV injection that can be given to patients who don’t qualify for Paxlovid or other oral drugs. It should be taken within seven days of symptoms appearing.

It’s important to remain vigilant as pandemic restrictions are lifted.

Researchers continue to study new variants and subvariants as they emerge. Research done by Harvard Medical School suggests that COVID-19 still has the capacity to mutate further, resulting in increased transmissibility and increased antibody escape.

Vaccine manufacturers are devising new forms of their vaccines to combat the changing nature of the virus. However, the current vaccines still provide substantial protection from severe disease.

If you test positive for COVID-19, tell your primary care doctor, advises Dr. Chak. “Let your doctor assess the situation to see if you qualify for a treatment.”

If you need a COVID-19 test and have mild to moderate symptoms, we encourage you to visit a local pharmacy or urgent care center. COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses and pediatric doses, are widely available through healthcare providers, pharmacies and local health departments across New York State. Visit vaccines.gov to find the nearest locations.

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NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Harrisburg, PA Permit #324

160 North Midland Avenue Nyack, NY 10960

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2022 CLOVER STADIUM, POMONA, NY

Join us for a day of walking and cycling in support of The Breast Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital!

Choose from 30, 42 or 62-mile cycling routes or start a team and run or walk in the scenic 5K event.

Proceeds from Rides & Strides will ensure that individuals who are underinsured, uninsured and medically underserved are able to receive the screening services they need on an annual basis.

To register, learn more or simply make a donation, visit https://bit.ly/3zh3B4U or call 845-348-2770.

SCAN TO REGISTER OR DONATE!

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